Not a Kiwi, not yet a Queenslander?

Teenage Broncos sensation Karmichael Hunt has openly denied Brisbane and newly appointed Australian Rugby League coach Wayne Bennett had any influence over his decision to turn down selection for the New Zealand Test Team.

Kiwi-born Hunt also says he's ready for the barbs of disloyalty that may come his way.

He was contacted by New Zealand officials yesterday concerning this Friday night's Anzac Test in Newcastle. But after speaking with his parents and to Bennett, he informed them his immediate goal was to play State of Origin football for Queensland.

The wonderkid says he's a Queenslander at heart. And given that Bennett would still have a bit of influence down at QRL headquarters, despite handing the coaching reigns over to Michael Hagan, we may see the youngster in a Maroon guernsey as early as this year?providing his good form continues of course.

Meanwhile, South Sydney's massive loss over the weekend just got better with news that skipper Bryan Fletcher has been charged with striking in his team's loss to Melbourne at the weekend.

'Fletch' could miss 1-2 weeks depending on how he pleads.